Art History Glossary

adjective lying down with the head raised, as if about to rise

• The lion statue was depicted in a couchant position, symbolizing watchfulness and protection.
• The dog was lying couchant on the grass, enjoying the sunshine.
• I found my cat all couchant on the couch, looking all cozy and lazy.
• The idea of success seemed to be couchant in his mind, always ready to pounce on new opportunities.

noun a horizontal band that runs along the upper part of a wall

• The frieze on the building depicted scenes from ancient Greek mythology.
• I love how the frieze on that old building tells a story.
• Check out the cool frieze on that building, it's so detailed!
• The frieze of emotions on her face told a story of inner turmoil.

noun Jove can also refer to a powerful or mighty person or deity.

• In Roman mythology, Jove is the equivalent of the Greek god Zeus.
• I heard that Jove was the king of the Roman gods.
• Jove is like the big boss of all the Roman gods, right?
• The storm raged on as if Jove himself was angry with the world.

noun Kore is a noun referring to a type of ancient Greek statue depicting a young female figure, especially a goddess or maiden.

• Kore is a traditional Korean dish made with fermented vegetables.
• I heard Kore is the new trendy spot in town for Korean BBQ.
• Let's grab some Kore for dinner tonight, I'm craving some spicy kimchi.
• The team's chemistry on the field is like a well-oiled machine, each player knowing their role like Kore in a clockwork mechanism.

adjective relating to or characteristic of a particular custom, belief, or way of doing something that has existed for a long time

• The ceremony followed traditional customs and rituals.
• My grandma always makes traditional dishes for Thanksgiving.
• I love jamming out to some traditional tunes.
• The company's values are deeply rooted in traditional beliefs.

noun a small mosaic tile used in ancient Roman architecture

• The abaculus was used by the ancient Romans as a counting device.
• I found this cool abaculus at the antique shop.
• Check out this old-school abaculus I scored at the thrift store.
• The abaculus of memories in her mind helped her navigate through difficult times.

adjective of, relating to, or resembling the shape of a spine or thorn

• The acanthous design of the building's facade was inspired by ancient Greek architecture.
• I love the acanthous details on this vase, it's so intricate.
• Check out the acanthous patterns on this shirt, it's so cool!
• Her acanthous personality was evident in the way she decorated her home with elaborate patterns and designs.

noun a pedestal or ornament at the apex of a gable in classical architecture

• The acroterion is a decorative element often found on the pediment of classical architecture.
• I never noticed the acroterion on top of the building until someone pointed it out to me.
• Check out that cool acroterion on the roof, it really adds some flair to the building.
• The acroterion symbolizes the pinnacle of achievement in their field.